LATACUNGA, Ecuador – From August 18 to 21, members of the Kentucky National Guard participated in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade. This exchange was part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP).
The training took place at the headquarters of the Ecuadorian Special Forces, located in Latacunga, where they focus on various specialized areas, including pathfinding, mountain warfare, airborne operations, combat diving, and their elite ‘commando school’.
U.S. Army Maj. Ryan Hubbs, inspector general of the Kentucky National Guard and officer in charge of the exchange, emphasized that while the mission aimed to exchange subject matter expertise regarding air assault operations, the overarching goal was to strengthen the relationship between the partners.
Hubbs remarked, “The exchange went fantastic. So often, we don’t get that chance to conduct joint planning, even with our own sister services. The passion that they had and the level of seriousness with which they executed the planning was also great to see.”
A contingent of six Soldiers from the Kentucky Army National Guard, together with one Airman from the Kentucky Air National Guard, participated in the training. Many had prior experience in SPP exchanges in Ecuador and were eager to contribute once again.
U.S. Air Force 1st Sgt. Oscar Cerna of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron stated his enthusiasm for these missions, saying, “Learning to work together, sharing ideas and understanding one another’s perspectives on the battlefield is my favorite part of [these missions].”
Cerna served as a subject matter expert, educating the group on the U.S. Air Force’s capabilities in supporting air assault operations. His military career began in the Army, where he attended the Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The exchange commenced in a classroom setting, where Kentucky air assault experts briefed the Ecuadorian service members about the U.S. Army’s approach to air assault missions. The Ecuadorian participants included members from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, all drawn from their respective special forces units. They explored the differences in operational approaches dictated by their unique defense strategies, climates, terrains, and equipment.
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Richardson and Capt. Sean Lough, both rotary wing pilots from the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade of the Kentucky Army National Guard, facilitated discussions with the Ecuadorian members regarding flight operation considerations in relation to air assault.
Richardson noted, “I find that troops are usually interested to learn why helicopter pilots fly the way we do, and this was true of the soldiers we worked with in Ecuador. It was heartening to see the Ecuadorian [service members] embrace the challenge of air assault so quickly.”
The practical training exercise created by Hubbs allowed service members to collaborate in teams to plan an air assault operation utilizing the skills they honed together. The groups successfully devised actionable air assault missions that integrated service members from all military branches.
Following the planning phase, participants moved outdoors to practice creating landing zones, maintaining security, and efficiently embarking and disembarking rotary aircraft. After thorough repetitions, service members gained confidence in their capabilities to support air assault operations in various environments.
Hubbs shared his admiration for the capabilities of the Ecuadorian military, stating, “I am always blown away by the professionalism and technical expertise of the Ecuadorian military. Working with the special forces, we got to see their very best, and they did not disappoint. They are fit, technically and tactically proficient, and work extremely hard to increase their abilities.”
He further commended the deep pride displayed by Ecuadorian servicemen, noting, “Anytime they sing the songs of their country or sound off, they do so in a loud and thunderous fashion, showing pride in their unit and in their country. We should strive to emulate this in our own military.”
Ecuadorian Capt. Darwin Venegas of the 9th Special Forces Brigade expressed gratitude for the exchange, remarking, “The seeds of [the Kentucky National Guard’s] knowledge have certainly been planted in fertile soil. We are the best, and so is the U.S. Military. Together, we’re even better.”
At the conclusion of the exchange, Ecuadorian service members received certificates in recognition of their training achievements, during a ceremony hosted by the 9th Special Forces Brigade expressing appreciation for the Kentucky National Guard’s efforts.
Ecuadorian Col. Walter Machado, commander of the 9th Special Forces Brigade, acknowledged the significance of the partnership, stating, “Having the United States here gives us strength. We’re honored to have hosted [the Kentucky National Guard] and we look forward to the next time we can train together.”
The partnership between Kentucky and Ecuador has been ongoing since 1995, with the aim of enhancing bilateral defense relationships and interoperability. The State Partnership Program, initiated in 1993 with just 13 partner nations, now includes 115 partner nations, facilitating a range of training and information exchanges that promote enduring relationships, regional security, and the advancement of national interests and foreign policy objectives.
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